Storm Chasers

Right after we practiced being storm chasers in Grand Island, watching and seeing what we remember from Discovery channels Storm Chasers show, we meet REAL LIVE Storm Chasers.


We pulled into Elm Creek, Nebraska to get gas and potty break, we see several people with laptops on their hoods of the cars and trucks. We are curious and then we realize who they were. We went to talk to them and they shared everything about what they do and how they became storm chasers.

Several of the adults started at about age 10 or 11. They followed and learned from other adults documenting on video cameras what they see. They then contact the authorities or new stations who would want this information. Often times they see the storm before the National Weather Service ever knows the storm has developed. Away from the freeway, Nebraska becomes more hilly and much harder to maneuver making travel to track storms more difficult. The chasers find it an enjoyable hobby because they love weather. They aren't interested or have a need to find severe weather or destruction, it is the peace and beauty of nature after the storm passes, they love. There was a 19yo (son of one of the chasers) who was in college to be a meteorologist. They desire to be behind the storm rather than having it head toward them.

The current storm they were tracking was just north of us and more were developing from the west. It wasn't the same one we just went by in Grand Island. The night was busy and they expected to be out all night. The websites we use at home to track weather when our weather radio alarm goes off frequently is one they use as well http://www.noaa.gov/ They also suggested http://www.sbc.noaa.gov/ which is more detailed but may need more research and learning to understand all the tracking information. They showed us several videos of the storms they just saw and encouraged us to find others in our area to learn from if we were ever interested in being a storm chaser. They said the Discovery Channel crew was out in the area the week before and they were able to meet them. What an absolute treat to meet someone who follows their passions and helps so many people stay safe. It was a shared family adventure and interest as well. Another website to check out is http://www.stormchasers.com/ - Karen